Local News – Monday, June 6th, 2022

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed discussed preliminary numbers in getting the budget prepared including the cost of current staff if the board opts into the legislature’s proposal to increase the minimum wage for teachers to $38,000. Reed reported the estimated cost would be $193,550 and the state would pick up $135,485 of that and R-80 would pay $58,065. Salem would also have to pay $28,065 more in retirement benefits and $2,800 in Medicare. She also discussed what it would cost if the board approved an increase for classified staff of 1.75 percent which would be $28,766, and if the increase were 3.0 percent, the cost would increase to $51,531. Reed went on to say if the board wanted to give teachers that already made $38,000 on the salary schedule an extra payment of $500, it would cost the district $42,477; and if the board authorized an additional $1,000, the cost would jump to $84,954. The board was concerned as to what happens if the program is not funded after one year and how or if the district would be able to sustain those salaries. The board also agreed that no changes would be made to the current salary schedule, and they were leaning toward making a 13th payment at the end of the year to cover the increase in salary if the Governor signs the bill. Superintendent Reed said the transportation department will receive $93,375 for fiscal year 2022 and will be fully funded at $227,014 for fiscal year 2023. She went on to discuss the moving of $813,535 in WADA funds and the recoding of Classroom Trust Fund proceeds that would come to $528,972. By doing that, the balance at the end of the 2022-2023 fiscal year in Fund 4 which is used for capital projects and building is expected to be $2,158,000. After the discussion, the board approved a step increase for all employees for the 2022-2023 fiscal year but took no action on the state grant to pay teachers a minimum salary of $38,000, or on the extra payments for classified staff or certified teachers. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to answer any questions about the ten-year loan at 3.75% from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to make up the difference in the shortage of YOP Tax credit funds to get started with the Construction Trades Building project. Board member Phillip Mercer said he got a quote on a Red Iron Building from Roberts-Judson about the same size as the proposed building for about $140,000, but that would be a change from the original plans submitted. The board took no action except to see if there are federal procurement guidelines that need to be followed and to see if the CDBG grant would accept a change to the Construction Trades building plans. After a long discussion, the board agreed to accept the municipal lease with a buy-out option for $1,857,291. The lease is for a ter- secured through Signature Public Funding from m of 15-years at a 3.39% interest rate that is ESP for the Tin Gym and Locker Room renovations. The board also approved a resolution to join MOCAAT which is an investment company dealing with schools and municipalities. They can provide a three-year cash analysis for the school. There is no cost unless the school would use their services. The board accepted the resignations of high school English teacher Alec Conner and Sean Guffey who was in high school special education. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon in Phelps County on County Road 1030 about two miles north of St. James just after 1:30 that resulted in injuries to two teenagers. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Polaris RZR 800 being operated by a 16-year-old boy of St. James was travelling north when it began to slide off the road. The Polaris then overturned and ejected a passenger, a 15-year-old girl, also of St. James. The vehicle then came to rest, partially blocking the roadway. The 16-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported by family to Phelps Health Hospital. The passenger was transported by Phelps Health to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The report went on to state that neither were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained minor damage and was removed by C & C Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released several reports. On Sunday, May 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68. During the stop, a 59-year-old Salem woman was found to be intoxicated and in possession of a firearm. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. Later that same day, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a reported assault. During the investigation, a 34-year-old person from Salem was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. The suspect was fingerprinted, photographed, and charged on a criminal citation of Assault in the 4th Degree. Then on Tuesday, May 31st, a deputy responded to South Warfel Street for a reported wanted subject with outstanding warrants. During the investigation, a 27-year-old Salem woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on multiple warrants. On Thursday, June 2nd, deputies responded to the Salem Eagle’s Club for a reported theft of money. Upon arrival, suspect information was provided and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any further information regarding any ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.